Launch Your Real Estate Credit Business in Saint John Today
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step roadmap to starting a Real Estate Credit business in Saint John (NAICS 522292). You’ll find a clear overview of the 10 requirements you’ll need to meet, plus guidance on registering your company, handling permits, and choosing the right licenses. We break down typical setup costs and a realistic timeline so you can plan with confidence from day one.
What you’ll learn: a detailed walkthrough of each requirement, the permits and registrations involved, and the compliance steps you’ll need to follow. We outline common startup costs and ongoing fees, plus an estimated timeline from application to opening. You’ll also get practical tips to assemble the right documents, avoid delays, and set up essential systems.
Why Saint John works for Real Estate Credit: this city offers a growing local market, affordable access to space and talent, and a supportive business community in Atlantic Canada. Starting here gives you proximity to regional clients and lenders, making it a practical, low-friction path to building credibility and steady growth under NAICS 522292.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a real estate credit business in Saint John is FINTRAC Registration (Anti-Money Laundering). This registration is legally required for entities that handle money, and you cannot legally operate without it. It’s non-negotiable: without FINTRAC, you’re out of business from day one and risk penalties, license suspensions, or other enforcement actions.
Operational requirements focus on health, safety, and permits. You’ll need a valid City of Saint John Business Licence to operate from a local office and comply with local zoning rules. In addition, New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage is required to protect your staff and meet workplace safety obligations. Depending on your setup, you may also need other local permits, but these two form the core operational foundation.
Business Registration & Tax is the next essential track. You’ll establish your presence with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN). If you’ll use a trade name, register it with New Brunswick (SNB). Choose your legal structure—NB Corporation Registration for a corporation or Partnership Registration for a partnership—and align with tax registrations. GST/HST Registration is required if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold (or if you register voluntarily). If you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration is also necessary. Note: if your operation is treated as a financial institution, Financial Institution Registration may apply in addition to the items above.
Next steps: map out your business structure and secure FINTRAC first, then obtain the municipal licence and WorkSafeNB coverage. Set up your BN with the CRA, register your NB SNB or NB corporation/partnership, and handle GST/HST and payroll registrations as needed. If applicable, arrange Financial Institution Registration as well. With these steps in place, you’ll be well positioned to launch responsibly and grow in Saint John.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a real estate credit in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Financial Institution Registration RequiredFinancial institutions must be registered/licensed with federal (OSFI) or provincial (FSRA) regulators depending on incorporation and services offered. OSFI regulates federally incorporated banks, trust companies, insurance companies. Bank Act, Trust and Loan Companies Act, Insurance Companies Act. Provincial alternatives for credit unions. Minimum capital requirements. Governance requirements. Contact OSFI: 1-800-385-8647.
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FINTRAC Registration (Anti-Money Laundering) RequiredFinancial services must register with FINTRAC and implement anti-money laundering and terrorist financing compliance programs. Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). Mandatory for: MSBs, casinos, real estate, securities, accountants, BC notaries. Register online. Compliance program required. Suspicious transaction reporting. Large cash reporting ($10K+). Keep records 5 years. Contact FINTRAC: 1-866-346-8722.
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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your real estate credit:
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The Invest Nova Scotia Payroll Rebate is a negotiated incentive for knowledge-based companies creating at least 20 net new full-time positions in Nova Scotia. The rebate is 5–10% of eligible gross payroll, disbursed annually over a set period (typically up to 5 years), after audited confirmation of job creation. Eligible …
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